With over 30 years’ experience working in the field of substance abuse and mental health, Dr. Carol Anderson knows a thing or two about how challenging withdrawal symptoms can be for those seeking to recover from addiction.
“Withdrawals from substance abuse can be uncomfortable, and even life-threatening in some cases. Medically-assisted detox seeks to soothe the physical symptoms of stopping the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol.”[1]
While chemical dependency on some drugs can be successfully treated without undergoing medically-assisted detox, recovery from other drugs is oftentimes best started by detoxing with the assistance and supervision of doctors and other healthcare professionals trained in addiction medicine—for example at an addiction treatment center or hospital—in order to most successfully and safely get through the withdrawals phase.
That being said, which drugs will medically-assisted detox most likely benefit?
The use of medically-assisted detox is most often recommended for: alcohol, prescription opioids and heroin, and benzodiazepines.
ALCOHOL
Although adults in the U.S. over the age of 21 can drink alcohol legally, it is nonetheless a mood-changing, mind-altering “drug,” and if consumed in excess over time or in binges, it can bring on severe withdrawal symptoms when you suddenly cease its use. Why?
With either chronic or acute alcohol use (i.e., long-term or binge-drinking), the central nervous system gets used to the release of endorphins, pleasure-producing chemicals in the brain. If you drink heavily for months or years, or drink in binges over time, and then stop consuming it, the central nervous system’s lack of alcohol causes withdrawal symptoms.
Some of these symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Severe fatigue
- Excessive anxiety
- Bodily shaking
- High fever or excessive sweating
- Intense restlessness, irritability
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping[2]
Alcohol withdrawal can, in some cases, produce even more intense, life-threatening symptoms, such as seizures, hallucinations or delirium.
Given alcohol has been shown to produce sedative effects, Keith Heinzerling, M.D., an Addiction Medicine Specialist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, says, “Medical treatment and supervision is usually required for detoxification from alcohol (or other) sedatives, as the withdrawal symptoms when severe may be serious or even life-threatening. Abrupt cessation of high doses of alcohol or sedatives is dangerous and should be done under a doctor’s supervision.”[3]
PRESCRIPTION OPIOIDS & HEROIN
The highly addictive drugs known as opioids and opiates (including Fentanyl, Vicodin, OxyContin and heroin) bind to specific receptors in the brain, resulting in the blocking of pain and the production of a sense of euphoric calm. When you quit using such drugs after a period of time, the brain and central nervous system experience withdrawal symptoms that can include:
- Severe muscle aches and spasms
- Stomach cramps and diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Intense anxiety and/or depression
- Sweating and/or chills
- Extreme restlessness and irritability
- Rapid heart rate and possible seizures[4]
Heinzerling points out, “Withdrawal symptoms from opioids are not necessarily life-threatening, though they can be difficult to manage on your own without the help of medications… (which) are usually required for successful detoxification, as it is so uncomfortable that many patients will go back to drugs to self-medicate the symptoms before the detoxification is complete.”
BENZODIAZEPINES
The class of central nervous system depressants known as benzodiazepines (including Xanax, Valium, Klonopin and Ativan) help people experiencing anxiety and panic by boosting the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which generates feelings of calmness and relaxation. However, a tolerance and dependency on benzodiazepines can develop relatively quickly and, upon cessation, can produce withdrawal symptoms that may include:
- Muscle spasms and tremors
- Severe headaches
- Intense restlessness and anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating and/or chills
- Seizures[5]
Acknowledging you’re likely to experience at least some the extreme discomfort and even life-threatening symptoms associated with stopping the use of the abovementioned 3 drugs, it is highly recommended you seek medically-assisted detox support and professional supervision at an addiction treatment center or hospital, so you can more smoothly and safely navigate your withdrawal symptoms, and then get the treatment you need to start a life in recovery, free from active addiction.
[1] Anderson, C. “Which Substance Abuse Issues May Require Medically Assisted Detox?” WebMD Connect-to-Care. December 12, 2020.
[2] Manarang-Obsioma, Marixie Ann, M.D. “Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms: Don’t Underestimate Going Sober.” AlcoRehab.org. 2019.
[3] Anderson, C. “Which Substance Abuse Issues May Require Medically Assisted Detox?” WebMD Connect-to-Care. December 12, 2020.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
